Breaking down some of the top College Prospects

As we sit 15 days away from the NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Tuesday, May 15th NBA teams anxiously await the draft order while they’re doing their draft preparation. As for the potential incoming college athletes, they’re preparing for the Draft; or for some they’re still deciding on a decision to leave or come back for another college season.

With that being said, let’s discuss some of the prospects that are taking their talents to the next level.

Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona

It doesn’t take long to realize the talent that Deandre Ayton possess. His size and built alone is unnoticeable with his 7’1, 250 pound frame. But Ayton isn’t just a big body as he offers a rare mix of size and explosiveness. And for a big guy, Ayton’s soft touch is pretty impressive not just around the rim but with his face-up jump shot. Though he lacks both instincts and production on the defensive end, if Ayton can improve on the defensive side then he’ll become one of the top bigs in the NBA easily.

Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke

What a talent we have here. Averaging a double-double in his only season at Duke, Bagley proved early that he was going to be a one-and-done candidate. Though how he’ll fit in the NBA will be tricky. While talent isn’t clearly the question; his position will be. It’s clear that he’s not a shot blocking five or a stretch four. But if he could become a better ball handler and a better shooter then he would be a scary player to face for opposing GM’s.

Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma

If you don’t know who this guy is then you must be living under a rock. Trae Young took the College Basketball season by storm as he not only showed off his crazy and consistent range, but he showed how much of a dominate scorer that he could be. He’s by far the best shooter and passer in this year’s draft class but let’s pump the brakes on the Steph Curry comparisons for now. While Young does lack on the defensive side, his passing and shooting skills translate perfectly to the current NBA game.

Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas

Bamba’s size is just unreal. His historic 7’9 wingspan makes him instantly an lottery pick alone. Now while there are areas that he needs to improve on, it’s areas that are easy for an NBA coaching staff to handle. He needs to work on his offensive game and get stronger in his lower body to increase his explosiveness. But while there’s areas he needs to improve on don’t let that make you lose focus on how much of a special talent that he’s going to be.

Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri

This is an interesting one as there’s not much tape on Porter Jr. as he only played in three games this season. With one of those games, he only played two minutes due to a back injury. Porter did have successful surgery, but back injuries are always scary injuries to have because they can linger. But the kid has talent as he was the number one recruit in the country entering the season. So while it’ll be a risky pick as teams only have two real games of film on him, the team who does get him will likely get a steal.